California Panther Fans

[h0llywood]

Just checked into out hotel and the team was loading the bus!!!! Finally got to meet Smitty and the team. So excited. Took a picture of Rivera and his daughter hope he doesn't kill me

[PFFC]

probably can still get tickets it is not a sell out...then there's always the scalpers

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

h0llywood we are at the same hotel then haha. This morning I chatted with Coach Rivera for a while. Also saw JR and Danny Morrison walk in and said hello to the both of them.

Talked with Ryan Kalil for a while and got his autograph on the helmet from this thread. He still had a boot on his foot. Talked with Bell for a while and he loved it when I brought up New Mexico and I told him to run over some guys tomorrow.

[h0llywood]

I saw a couple of guys down in the lobby with helmets figured one was you. I took a photo of Ron Rivera giving his daughter some money. How old is she? She's tall like him.

I'm the stocky short guy walking with my wife. Probably saw me a couple times.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Yeah I wasn't one of the dudes that just have duffle bags full of gear waiting to be signed. I had my helmet in a backpack and then when id see a player I'd take it out and actually greet him by name and talk about something significant like his college ball days or a play he made last week. Those guys just sitting in the lobby were irritating the players and it made it tough for a real fan to actually be able to get autographs and spark conversation.

[h0llywood]

Are you staying here at the hotel? Do you know when the team gets back? My wife and I are about to go to Samaritans Feet right now, go to casino and hopefully when we get back they are in the lobby.

[Bwood]

Wait, what hotel are the players at??

I need to change reservations.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

h0llywood I stayed at the hotel last night but will be at my apartment tonight. Hope we are still on for early morning costco and a day of tailgating!

[h0llywood]

At Samaritans Feet and Angela Sun and Yahoo sports is here going to interview Smitty

[jayflip]

I fuging can't wait to be there tomorrow!

[h0llywood]

Wow just wow.

Just left Samaritan'a Feet. It was more than I could have ever asked for.

After finally finding the balls to talk to him, I approached him and told him my story. I told him while I was in Afghanistan 4 years ago, I had a Steve Smith action figure I brought everywhere with me. He rode shotgun and took pictures with random afghani civilians. I pulled him out my pocket with dust still on it and missing an arm and told him it would be an honor if he took it. He looked at me an said "what? I'm missing an arm?!" He was joking and gave me a man hug and took photos with me and my wife. My hands were shaking and I was embarrassed as I looked up 4 cameras were recording our exchange.

Shortly after, my wife and I were his designated runners and I stood over him while he cleaned feet. This was all recorded by Yahoo Sports Angela Sun and they are filming a documentary called outside the game which should be out in a few days. I'm glad I can say I helped Steve out personally.

Steve did tell a kid to basically go eff himself. Told him look me in the eye, call me sir, turn around and go to your mother. 10 year old pissed Smitty off.

In short, my life is now complete. Photos to come from tonight and from tomorrow's game.

Please excuse my giddiness!

[neverlosethefeeling]

I flew from Charlotte to LAX on Wednesday, picking this weekend specifically to visit a charger fan buddy of mine. Things happened and we won't be able to get down there for the game and it's blacked out in southern California. Just my luck. Hope you all have a great time at the game tomorrow!

[jayflip]

I have started tailgating right now. This binge won't end until we stomp the chargers out of their home field.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Wow just wow.

Just left Samaritan'a Feet. It was more than I could have ever asked for.

After finally finding the balls to talk to him, I approached him and told him my story. I told him while I was in Afghanistan 4 years ago, I had a Steve Smith action figure I brought everywhere with me. He rode shotgun and took pictures with random afghani civilians. I pulled him out my pocket with dust still on it and missing an arm and told him it would be an honor if he took it. He looked at me an said "what? I'm missing an arm?!" He was joking and gave me a man hug and took photos with me and my wife. My hands were shaking and I was embarrassed as I looked up 4 cameras were recording our exchange.

Shortly after, my wife and I were his designated runners and I stood over him while he cleaned feet. This was all recorded by Yahoo Sports Angela Sun and they are filming a documentary called outside the game which should be out in a few days. I'm glad I can say I helped Steve out personally.

Steve did tell a kid to basically go eff himself. Told him look me in the eye, call me sir, turn around and go to your mother. 10 year old pissed Smitty off.

In short, my life is now complete. Photos to come from tonight and from tomorrow's game.

Please excuse my giddiness!

Great story man thanks for sharing. I actually did end up e-mailing that guy you talked to me about but unfortunately he said they had enough volunteers. Sounds like one hell of an experience though! Didn't see 89 in the hotel last night but I'll be sure to see him burning those Charger's CBs all game long.